The United States and Ukraine have officially signed a long-anticipated minerals agreement establishing a joint Reconstruction Investment Fund. The deal, confirmed by the U.S. Treasury on Wednesday, grants Washington access to Ukraine’s natural resources and symbolizes a strategic commitment to Ukraine’s post-war recovery.

“President Trump envisioned this partnership between the American people and the Ukrainian people to show both sides' commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine,” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. He emphasized that no person or entity that supported Russia’s war effort will benefit from Ukraine’s reconstruction.

The fund will be jointly managed by both nations and will support collaborative investments in rebuilding Ukraine’s economy. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko stated that the agreement safeguards Ukraine’s sovereign control: “Subsoil remains under Ukrainian ownership — this is clearly established in the Agreement.” She also clarified that Ukrainian state-owned companies will remain under national control and that the fund does not create any debt obligations to the U.S.

Svyrydenko noted that contributions to the fund will not be taxed in either country, and the United States may provide further assistance, such as air defense systems, as part of its contributions. She highlighted the agreement as a product of the cooperation between President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Trump, calling it a model of equal partnership.

Ukrainian President Zelensky praised the deal as “truly equal” and said it marks the first tangible result of his recent meeting with President Trump at the Vatican. He emphasized that the agreement supports legal reform, industrial modernization, and new investment, noting that it will now be sent to Ukraine’s parliament for ratification.

Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy welcomed the deal, underscoring Britain’s enduring commitment to Ukraine and describing it as a deepening of economic and security ties. In contrast, Russia’s former president and current Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev sharply criticized the agreement, alleging the U.S. is leveraging Ukraine’s vulnerability in exchange for military support and access to mineral wealth.

The signing of the minerals deal represents a strategic milestone in U.S.-Ukraine relations and sends a clear message of long-term partnership, economic collaboration, and shared resistance to external aggression.